Understanding green regional path development: a systematic study of the Nordic regions

This paper addresses the gaps in understanding green regional path development and the role of firm-level agency in driving regional green transitions. By analysing a large patent dataset covering 30 years, we provide a systematic account of green regional path development in 70 regions across four Nordic countries. We identify six types of green path development - extension, stagnation, extinction, diversification, renewal and creation - and explore how different types of organisations - incumbents and new entrants - contribute to these paths. We show that regions often have multiple green paths, and the dominant types are mostly driven by incumbents.